CHALIAPIN APARTMENT MUSEUM AND THE RUSSIAN OPERA MUSEUM

A branch of the Museum of Theatrical and Musical Arts
2b ulitsa Graftio 197022 St. Petersburg
Open: 11am - 6pm
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays and the last Friday of every month
Tel. 234-1056
Nearest metro station: Petrogradskaya

The great Russian singer Fedor Ivanovich Chaliapin (1873-1938) lived in this apartment from the end of 1914 to 1922. After he left Russia, Chaliapin's archive and personal effects were transferred to the Theatre Museum, where they formed the nucleus of a special collection. The exhibition in Chaliapin's apartment first opened in 1975 and, following repair and reconstruction work, reopened in 1997.

The renewed exhibition has two sections. The memorial rooms recreate the atmosphere of Chaliapin's life and work. They house a collection of old weapons presented to the singer by Maxim Gorky and a collection of Russian art works from the late 19th and early 20th century, including paintings by Alexander Benois, Alexander Golovin and Konstantin Korovin. Among these, the celebrated portrait of Chaliapin by Boris Kustodiev takes pride of place. Theatrical costumes, personal belongings, documents and authentic furnishings are also to be seen.

The extensive displays devoted to the history of Russian Opera at the turn of the century focus on St. Petersburg's opera scene, featuring librettoes, autographed opera scores, designs of stage sets and costumes, documentary photographs and authentic theatrical costumes.